The Ministry of Mines and Minerals Development has suspended operations at two Chinese-operated mines in Kasempa District, North-Western Province, after discovering illegal processing of gold and copper ore.
The affected mines, Sino Octascene Mine and Ken Reliable, were found processing minerals without the required Mineral Processing Licenses.
During an inspection led by Ministry of Mines and Minerals Development Permanent Secretary, Hapenga Kabeta, and officials from the Mine Safety Department, substantial stockpiles of gold- and copper-containing ore were discovered on site, piled up and ready for processing.
Dr. Kabeta said the origins of the ore stockpiles will be further investigated, warning that any illegalities uncovered will be met with stern action.
“The Ministry will not tolerate illegal mineral activities, especially in the gold sector, which is critical to national development as transparency and compliance in mineral trade is non-negotiable,” said Dr. Kabeta in a statement issued to RCV News in Lusaka today, by Ministry of Mines and Minerals Development Principal Public Relations Officer, Shamwinda Tembo.
He said that investigations revealed that the two mines had been conducting unauthorized mineral processing for an unspecified period, adding that when questioned, mine officials failed to provide relevant documentation or satisfactory explanations for their operations.
Dr. Kabeta said that the Ministry has since seized the ore stockpiles and directed law enforcement officers to secure the materials until proper documentation is provided.
He further disclosed that government is tightening monitoring of mineral processing plants across the country to ensure full compliance with mining regulations.
Angel Kasabo
